On May 28, 2018, Professor Andrew Szeri, Provost and Vice-President Academic announced the appointment of Dr. Simon Bates to the role of Associate-Provost, Teaching and Learning. This is a newly created position in response to the retirement of Professor Hugh Brock, whose term as Associate-Provost, Academic Innovation ends on June 30, 2018.

Dr. Bates joined the Department of Physics at UBC in 2012 as one of the first Professors of Teaching. He was also appointed Senior Advisor to the Provost, Teaching and Learning, and is currently Academic Director, Centre for Teaching, Learning and Technology (CTLT). He will begin his five-year term as Associate-Provost, Teaching and Learning on July 1, 2018.

As Associate-Provost, Teaching and Learning, Dr. Bates will provide academic leadership and oversight of CTLT and UBC Extended Learning. He will also oversee the development of new programs and lead curriculum quality assurance. In addition, his portfolio will include experiential learning, and oversight of the UBC Learning Exchange.

Dr. Bates is succeeded in his role as Academic Director, CTLT, by Dr. Christina Hendricks, whose five-year appointment will also begin on July 1, 2018. Dr. Hendricks is currently Deputy Academic Director at CTLT and Professor of Teaching in the Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts.